Today’s pontifical Mass bears this official title:
“THE INAUGURATION OF THE PETRINE MINISTRY OF THE BISHOP OF ROME.”
In a powerful symbol of the unity marking the Church of Christ, beforehand Pope Francis prays together with the patriarchs of the Eastern Catholic Rites at the tomb of Saint Peter, the first pope.
As expected the largest delegations traveling to Rome for this momentous occasion are from Argentina and Italy. Vice-President Biden was asked to lead the U.S. delegation.
